Birganj Chamber of Commerce & Industries has conducted various programs in
cooperation with Donor and Support Organisations. The programs have always been
aimed at the improvement and welfare of the industries and smaller production
units. We have encouraged programs varying from topics such as Environment to
child labour to Cleaner Production. Management and Employee relationship has
also been our prime concern and the chamber has always supported activities,
proposals etc. concerning the same.

ESPS (Environment sector Programme Support):
ESPS/IEM (Institute of Environmental Management) and BiCCI have completed one
phase of the Cleaner Production Programme. Nine Industries joined the program in
this phase and have benefited from the same. The main objective of the program
was to identify the wastes and utilize the same in a manner so as to benefit the
industry and save the environment. Whenever there was a need of fund for the
addition of new Technology, ESPS/IEM have provided soft loans to the industries
which has helped them to improve their products. And they have also been
motivated into the direction of environment friendly products. In this phase
with an investment of NRs. 14 million, the Industries are expected to benefit to
around NRs. 24 million. So, with a pay back period of around 7 months, this
investment can be well justified.Now within a period of 8 months, from the
launch of the First phase, ESPS/IEM/BiCCI have been able to launch the second
phase of the CP programme. Twelve industries have joined the programme. This
Programme will last for a period of 5½ months. And we are more than optimistic
regarding the outcome.

SMEDP (Small and Medium Enterprise Development Project):
Mr. Govind Dev Pandey, Executive Director, of SMEDP has always shown a positive
approach towards the development of entrepreneurs and small scale industries in
Nepal. In Birganj, Women Entrepreneurs Association of Nepal headed by Mrs.
Shanti Chaddha, has conducted various seminars and workshops in the past to
ensure the development of Women Entrepreneurs at Birganj. Recently, a District
level wortkshop was conducted in cooperation with SMEDP for the 'Enhancement of
Participation of Women in the Enterprises'.

PSPP (Private Sector Promotion Project):
PSPP/ BiCCI have been partners for a very long time now. And with the support of
Mr. Harihar Subedi, Resident Representative of PSPP, we have been able to
conduct various programmes for the benefit of the private sector. PSPP has
helped in the secretarial development by providing trainings to the staffs on
various aspects of functioning. We are also invited from time to time at
National level seminars and workshops organised by PSPP. This helps in the
improvement of the management and ensures proper functioning of the chamber.

PSPP has been assisting our chamber in upgrading its staff output by providing
trainings and funding study visits. Study visits are very important and this is
helping our members understand their position and improve their services in
accordance with the practices of other chambers.

ICL Certifications Nepal Pvt. Ltd:
BiCCI and ICL Certification Nepal Pvt. Ltd. have joined hands to help the member
companies to acquire ISO 9001:2000 QMS certification at suitable discounted
price. The chamber has trained one staff as a Qualified certification Auditor
for ISO 9001:2000. And so Advisory and Consultancy services can be provided to
the members. This is an additional service provided by this chamber. This
program is helping members adopt internationally accepted quality management
systems, which is enhancing their competitiveness. And many companies have
acquired the ISO 9001:2000 certification.

Trade Promotion Centre:
The Trade Promotion Centre, Kathmandu after studying the various sectors of
Nepal, has obliged to open a Branch Office at this Chamber. With the functioning
of this TPC, we expect to enhance Exports and at the same time ensure smooth
functioning of the business from this region. We no longer have to take our
problems to Kathmandu.

Social Contribution
Birganj Chamber of Commerce and Industries has always contributed towards the
development and welfare of society. It has played an important role in the
developmental activities of the sub-metropolitan city office as well as the
District Development Committee. It has also helped in the sustainability of many
NGOs and social organizations. From time to time BiCCI has conducted programs
and trainings for the creation of job opportunities and upgradation of technical
hands. The contributions that have created landmarks are as follows:

In 1973 AD, BiCCI contributed Rs. 51,000/- towards the renovation and
upgrading of the then deteriorating and ramshackle structures of the Singha
Durbar (now Parliament House).

In 1974 AD, His Holiness Shankaracharya himself laid the foundation
stone of the famous 'Shankaracharya Gate', at the entrance point of Nepal
through Birganj. The Construction was carried out with financial assistance
of BiCCI.

Under the leadership of Shri Hari Pd. Giri, the then president of BiCCI
began the construction of 'Bal Mandir' at Adarshnagar.

BiCCI constructed the King Birendra coronation pillar with in its
complex which was inaugurated by Dr. Tulsi Giri, the then prime minister of
Nepal in 1976 AD.

In 1980, when several districts in the western region of Nepal were
suffering from the after effects of a devastating earthquake, BiCCI
contributed Rs. 51,101/- towards relief operations for the victims. Later it
contributed food and relief materials for the victims.

BiCCI contributed NRs. 9.93 millions for the construction of Her Majesty
Queen Aishwarya Maternity Hospital, which was inaugurated by His Majesty
Kind Birendra in 1982. In the same year at a cost of NRs. 252 thousand, a
statue of Her Majesty Queen Aishwarya was constructed and installed in the
compound of the Hospital.

In 1982, a statue of Poet Bhanu Bhakta was erected at Bhanu Chowk(the
name came into effect after the erection), Birganj from BiCCI contribution.

BiCCI has contributed NRs.350 thousand towards the construction of
District Child Welfare Committee building at Birganj.

BiCCI has constructed a waiting hall for the Narayani Sub- regional
Hospital at a total cost of NRs. 260 thousand